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Definition of whiny

whiny

/ˈwaɪ.ni/
whi · ny
Adverb:whinily
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whiny Lexical Profile

whiny Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Habitually complaining in an annoying, childish, or petulant manner.

Example

"The children became cranky and whiny after waiting in the long line for over an hour."

2

Having a high-pitched, nasal, or drawn-out complaining sound.

Example

"He spoke in a high, whiny voice that grated on everyone's nerves during the meeting."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for whiny

• Nearby Words

whininess
whiningly
whinny
whiny
whip
whip snake
whipcrack

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 18th century by adding the adjective-forming suffix '-y' to the verb 'whine', which derives from Old English 'hwinan', meaning to make a shrill or whistling sound.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Whiny. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/whiny
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